The Dutch defender was immense throughout, making several timely clearances and tackles. Van Dijk was on hand to mop up any mistakes his teammates made and stopped Napoli attacks before they could develop.

It was his pass that started the move that led to Salah's goal. He was the foundation for Liverpool's performance and has become indispensable to Klopp's side.

Is there a better central defender in world football at the moment? There certainly isn't a better defender in the Premier League.

Van Dijk is almost unbeatable in the air and over the ground. He can't be pushed off the ball or bullied, a physical colossus who is also an excellent passer that can read the game impeccably.

The Dutchman has brought a level of calmness to Liverpool's previously jittery defence that cannot be underestimated.

Klopp's side never really looked like conceding on Tuesday night and that was mostly because Van Dijk was marshalling the defence.

Van Dijk's yellow card for his challenge on Dries Mertens, when he won the ball but caught the Napoli forward, was the only negative of his whole night. The former Celtic defender will miss the first leg of Liverpool's last-16 tie through suspension.

Otherwise, his performance was flawless. The world's most expensive defender, who joined Liverpool from Southampton in January for £75m, was worth every penny.

Is it time to seriously consider giving the United job to Solskjaer full-time? Press play below to hear #TheFootballSpin with Dion Fanning, Paddy McKenna and Bearded Genius.

The big Brian Kerr interview

Irish football structures, being let go by the FAI, and the problem the youth has.